Zhangmu Port adjusts inspection layout to improve safety in Himalayan border area

Zhangmu Port in Nyalam of Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, will adjust its customs and border inspection facilities from Saturday to improve safety management for the high-altitude mountain environment, according to an announcement by the local government on Thursday.

Located in a deep Himalayan valley, the port is a major land gateway between China and Nepal. Its mountainous terrain exposes the area to geological hazards.

The adjustment is aimed at protecting inbound and outbound travelers and their property, while maintaining normal border clearance operations and orderly movement through the port.

Starting at 10 am on Saturday, customs and immigration inspection operations at Zhangmu Port will be moved to the port's former temporary inspection area for import cargo.

The road section connecting the Friendship Bridge border gate to the new inspection site will be designated as a controlled port area and a customs transit supervision zone, with closed-loop management implemented.

Under the new arrangement, cross-border travelers will be transferred through designated routes. They will not be allowed to leave the designated area, move around freely, get on and off vehicles midway, or have unauthorized contact with people outside the designated transfer system.

Without permission, vehicles will not be allowed to stop along the controlled section to pick up or drop off passengers or load or unload goods. Unrelated personnel and vehicles will also be barred from entering the area.

Authorities said that the change only concerns the layout of customs and border inspection facilities. The port's opening status and bilateral customs clearance policies will remain unchanged.